THERE were plenty of smiles at Little Trinity Nursery in Kidderminster when the children, along with their loved ones and the local community, celebrated the International Day of Families.
This year’s UN theme ‘Families and New Technologies’ focused on how innovation was influencing modern family life whilst also recognising the vital role families played in shaping the lives of young people.
The Kidderminster nursery brought the theme to life using a range of fun activities, with the Red Ladybirds group working on the theme of ‘We are a Garden’. That shone a spotlight on different types of flowers all belonging to the same garden.
Children planted their own flower seeds to take home, encouraging them to incorporate them and helping to build an important relationship between nursery and home.
During the activities, children chatted excitedly about their own families and the love, care and support they felt at home. The activities reflected the diversity of families helping children understand the uniqueness of every one of them.
Nursery manager Gaynor Carter said: “It’s such a joyful celebration and a lovely opportunity to recognise the nurturing role families play in early education, alongside the important partnership nurseries have with parents and carers.
“By celebrating different family structures and experiences, we help promote inclusion, understanding and respect right from the earliest years.”
Announced by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993, International Day of Families raises awareness and helps to celebrate different different types of families and raises awareness of key family issues, including education, poverty and work-family balance. And it celebrates the fundamental contribution families make to society.
Gaynor added the day was a wonderful reminder that strong family units could help create resilient communities and support long term, sustainable development.
“Through simple but meaningful activities, we help children understand the importance of kindness, connection and belonging, values that begin within families and reach far beyond the nursery gates.”
Story by Stan Mills.
